Tie Breaker

Looking Back At This Year’s NBA Playoff Stars At The Start Of Their Careers

You have to be a serious player to be involved in the NBA playoffs, but everybody has to start somewhere, right? So, we took a look at the biggest stars in the playoffs this year at the beginning of their careers, and wow — they all look so young! Check them out.

James Harden Didn’t Always Have A Beard!

YouTube

Yup, back when he was drafted to the NBA, James Harden was rocking a baby beard. He’s still handsome, but he’s all beard today.

Kevin Love Looking Fine

AOL

Kevin Love’s another man who fell out of love with his razor over the years. He now sports a hipster beard and has a bit more hair on his head, too.

Anthony Davis Circa 2012

L A Times

He’s another man whose barber has gone on strike in the years since he joined the NBA. Yup, Anthony’s another baller with a beard now.

Klay Thompson The Class Of 2011

YouTube

This is Klay Thompson at his first ever professional interview in 2011. Today’s Klay has a beard, more bulk, and a bright yellow “The Bay” shirt.

LeBron James At The Start Of Things

Sports Illustrated

This is a 19-year-old LeBron James in 2004. He’s come a long way from a hard upbringing in the Rust Belt. He still has far to go, too.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Back In 2013

YouTube

Bless, it’s only been 5 years since Giannis Antetokounmpo materialized onto the professional courts. He’s musclier than he once was, but otherwise, he’s looking very similar today to the way he looked back then.

Russell Westbrook Nearly A Decade Ago

Living Civil

This is the 2009 version of Russel Westbrook and he’s a gentle looking lad compared to the beast of the basketball court that he has become.

Manu Ginobili’s Earliest Image

YouTube

You can tell this is old. Over each season in the NBA, Manu’s hair has got shorter and shorter. Back in 2002, he had long(ish) locks.

Kevin Durant Looked So Fresh

Business Insider

In 2007, Kevin Durant exploded onto the scene and today, he’s still a huge star. We’re starting to think that a beard trimming company is sponsoring the league in secret — Durant is also sporting a beard nowadays.

Stephen Curry: Rookie Of The Year

NBA

In 2009, this wonderfully polished looking young man became the greatest rookie that the NBA has ever known. And yes, Stephen Curry also has a beard now.